If you have young children in your family, you know how important it is to choose the best puppy for kids. A dog is a wonderful addition to your family. In this blog, we’re going to help you choose the best dogs for families. The best puppy breeds for kids have gentle affectionate temperaments and form strong bonds with family members. We always recommend Doodle hybrids from Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, Oklahoma. This is because Poodles are one of the most intelligent dog breeds. Doodles are typically very smart and eager to please. This makes them easy to train.
If you have kids, choosing the best puppy breed for them is important. A dog is not just a pet but an excellent addition to your household, providing companionship and joy. In this blog, we’ll guide you through selecting the best dogs for families, focusing on affectionate, gentle breeds that form strong bonds with their pet parents.
At Pettito Dallas and Pettito Oklahoma, you’ll find Doodle hybrids and other popular and child-friendly breeds, each mentioned below, with each breed having the ideal temperament for family life. Whether you’re looking for a Goldendoodle, Pug, Labrador, Labradoodle, or Cavapoo, these dogs combine playfulness, intelligence, and a gentle personality, making them some of the best choices for families with children.
Best Family Dogs
All dog breeds are wonderful, but when you have small children you’ll need to consider dog breeds that are better suited to children. If you have toddlers you’ll need to think about the best small dogs for toddlers. You should also consider whether your new puppy is socialized. This is important and will help with the transition to a new home. That’s why Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, Oklahoma puppies are so popular with families. Not only are Pettito puppies well-socialized but they come from reputable breeders that have been thoroughly screened.
There are also other things to consider, like how much space you have at home for a dog and whether you should consider a small dog breed for your kids if you live in an apartment. You also cannot expect a young child to be the primary caretaker for your dog.
Also, consider how much exercise your new puppy will need, who will be responsible for caring for them, and the commitment to take them to puppy training classes and the veterinarian for vaccinations. It’s essential to teach your children how to be gentle with pets and how to properly care for them.
A strong bond between kids and dogs creates a lifetime of cherished memories. As a parent, you play a key role in fostering this connection by choosing the best dog breed for children. If you’re searching for a family-friendly puppy, Pettito Dallas and Pettito Oklahoma offer a variety of Doodle mixes and breeds that are known for being gentle and loving, making them an excellent choice for households with young children.
Best and Safest Dog Breeds for Kids Reddit
Redditors say that you need a dog that’s chill around kids the entire time because young kids tend to annoy pets.
“To that end, a Labrador or Golden Retriever are the chillest dog breeds I’ve ever known. Hearts of gold,” says one Redditor. Another adds that Golden Retrievers are popular for a very good reason.”
“Ours is amazing. Labs are also popular for good reason. However, with any dog, you don’t want a nervous one, and any dog can be born that way(and they stay that way). Make sure your dog is confident and friendly and not the wildest or most energetic. If your dog is nervous or anxious, you’ll worry about all your kids and their friends’ interactions with it.” harbinger
Another Redditor says that you can’t generalize and that there are always exceptions. We found this to be true. “herding breeds tend to try to herd younger kids that they see as their flock to protect, which can mean getting under their feet and nipping. They also have a tendency to be somewhat anxious and not like loud noises (ie screeching kids playing),” explains Ksalvatore.
“Toy breeds – Chihuahuas, etc. They are small and fragile, so they can easily be hurt by kids accidentally playing too rough. They also rely on their mouths for protection, so they’re more likely to nip/bite if cornered or feeling overwhelmed or threatened.”
Quora: Best Puppy for Children
On Quora, various users share their experiences and opinions about the best puppies for kids. Here are some of the most common recommendations:
” I have 2 Cavachons. They are mixed breed, Cavalier and Bichon. They are small but not yappy. They don’t shed. They were easy to house train. They are loving and playful but not wild! They want to be with their human, but they are not needy.” Kelley Spartiatis
” The best dog for babies is a breed that is gentle, patient, and tolerant of children. In addition, it should be loyal, intelligent, and easily trainable.”
“The Labrador Retriever is a popular choice for families with babies due to its friendly and loving nature. Labs are easily trainable, and they love to please their owners. They are eager to please and can be taught basic obedience commands. They are also patient and tolerant of children, making them an ideal family pet.” Dogtraincourse
Best Small Dogs for Toddlers
Everyone loves their children and their dogs. As your child grows and matures, it will be easier because direct supervision is decreased. You’ll need to show your children how to handle a young puppy and all pets with gentleness and kindness. If you set the example and your child sees you gently handling your pets and speaking softly to them, they will be more likely to adopt the same behaviors.
How to Find the Best Dog Breeds for Children?
People are turning to pet counselors like Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, Oklahoma.This is because Pettito puppy counselors offer the following:
- Purebred, hypoallergenic, low-shedding, small, large, and medium-sized puppies.
- Rigorously looks for licensed breeders with the highest quality standards.
- Provides a comprehensive written health guarantee/warranty for every puppy
- Gives you the option of a low monthly payment plan
- Commitment to ethical and responsible breeders
- Offers a welcoming space to meet and interact with your dream AKC-registered purebred puppy
- It gives you peace of mind that you’ve made the right choice
Active Dog Breeds for Kids
Active dog breeds go hand in hand with active families. If you have children who enjoy the outdoors, consider dog breeds that enjoy swimming, running, and playing, like an active Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Goldendoodle, Cavapoo, or Boxer. These breeds enjoy play and plenty of outdoor time with young children.
When doing dog chores, you should also consider your children’s personalities and ages. Ultimately, it will always be the parents’ duty to ensure the puppy is walked, fed, trained, and taken to the vet when needed.
Most Child-Friendly Dog Breeds for Kids
The most important element in a child-dog relationship is dog-child supervision. This is key to your child’s future relationship with the family dog and with all other dogs. The amount of supervision will depend on the child’s age and maturity.
If you have a toddler that can easily fall due to lack of coordination, this could startle the dog and even frighten him. Young children and dogs should be separated if not supervised. You can use baby gates, X-pens, stand-alone dog fencing, and even playpens to help you.
Choosing the right dog breed for kids involves considering factors like temperament, size, and energy levels. Here are some of the best dog breeds for kids.
French Bulldog
The French Bulldog is a small breed good with toddlers and small children. It is known for its distinctive “bat ears” and muscular build. French bulldogs typically stand about 11 to 12 inches tall and weigh between 20 to 28 pounds. They have short, smooth coats in various colors, such as fawn, brindle, and white. They are affectionate, playful, and good with children. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retriever pups are one of the most popular family breeds. This medium—to large-sized dog is known for its friendly and tolerant attitude. Males typically stand 23-24 inches tall, while females are slightly shorter at 21.5-22.5 inches.
Their weight ranges from 55 to 75 pounds, depending on gender. They have a dense, water-repellent outer coat with a thick undercoat, and they come in rich golden shades. Their average lifespan is about 10-12 years. They are highly active, require regular exercise, and are excellent with kids.
GoldenDoodle
Goldendoodles are a popular hybrid breed, a mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. They can vary in size, typically ranging from 13 to 20 inches in height and weighing 15 to 35 pounds. Goldendoodle coats can be curly or wavy, and they are often hypoallergenic. They come in various colors, including cream, gold, and apricot. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, intelligent, and pleasant nature. They generally have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
Labrador Retriever
The AKC says this breed bonds with the whole family and has enough affection for everyone. Labrador Retrievers are friendly, outgoing, and high-spirited companions. They stand about 21.5 to 24.5 inches tall and weigh between 55 and 80 pounds. Labs have short, dense, and water-repellent coats, typically black, yellow, or chocolate. They are known for their intelligence and friendly nature, making them excellent family pets. Labs usually live for about 10-12 years.
Beagle
Another small breed that’s great with children is the Beagle. These are small to medium-sized dogs with a friendly and curious nature. They typically stand between 13 and 15 inches tall and weigh around 20 to 30 pounds. The American Kennel Club (AKC) says that the Beagle is described as ‘merry’ by its fanciers; Beagles are loving and lovable, happy, and companionable, all qualities that make them excellent family dogs. Beagles have a short, easy-to-care-for coat in various colors. They are known for their gentle disposition and are great with children. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 15 years.
Pug
Another very popular family breed is the Pug, which is described by the AKC as an ideal house dog. The AKC goes on to describe them as happy in the city or country, with kids or old folks, as an only pet or in a pack. Pugs have been bred to be companion dogs and have an even and stable temperament making them ideal dogs for children. Pugs are small, sturdy, and the best small puppies for kids with wrinkled faces and curly tails. They stand about 10 to 13 inches tall and weigh between 14 to 18 pounds. Their short, smooth coat is fawn or black. Pugs are known for their loving and playful demeanor, making them great companions for children. Their lifespan is typically around 12 to 15 years.
Irish Setter
Irish Setters are known for their friendly, outgoing nature and beautiful mahogany red coats. They stand about 25 to 27 inches tall and weigh between 60 to 70 pounds. The United Kennel Club (UKC) adds that the Irish Setter is an energetic dog breed that is friendly and intelligent. The explain that the breed’s rollicking personality is a defining characteristic. Their coat is long and requires regular grooming. Irish Setters are energetic and playful, making them great for active families. They typically live for about 12 to 15 years.
Brussels Griffon
Brussels Griffons are among the best small dogs for kids. These small, sturdy dogs are known for their expressive faces and lively personalities. They stand about 7 to 10 inches tall and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. The American Brussels Griffon Association says that there are many adjectives to describe this breed, and many Griffon pet parents describe them as “velcro dogs.” That said, the Griffon is described as a happy, affectionate, adaptable companion who loves his caretaker best. Their coat can be rough or smooth and come in various colors. They are affectionate and good with children, making them great family pets. Their lifespan ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Newfoundland
Newfoundlands are large, gentle giants known for their sweet disposition and strength. They stand about 26 to 28 inches tall and weigh between 100 and 150 pounds. Their thick, water-resistant coat comes in black, brown, gray, or Landseer (white and black). Newfoundlands are excellent with children and are often called “nanny dogs.” Their lifespan is typically around 9 to 10 years.
Boxer
Boxers are one of the best dogs for kids. They are medium—to large-sized dogs with a playful and energetic personality. They stand about 21.5 to 25 inches tall and weigh between 50 and 80 pounds. Boxers have a short, smooth coat that is easy to care for. They are known for their affectionate nature and protective instincts, making them great family pets. Their lifespan ranges from 10 to 12 years.
Border Collie
Border Collies are another best puppy breed for kids. They are brilliant and energetic dogs known for their herding abilities. They stand about 18 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 55 pounds. Border Collies’ coats can be smooth or rough and come in various colors. They are highly trainable and excel in agility and obedience. They typically live for about 12 to 15 years.
FAQ’s Best Dogs for Kids
What are the best puppy breeds for families with children?
The best puppy breeds for families with children include Doodles, Labradors, Pugs, French Bulldogs, and more. These breeds are known for their gentle temperament, playful energy, and patience with kids.
If you’re looking for a child-friendly puppy, the most trusted sites are Pettito, Dallas, and Pettito, Oklahoma. We work with trusted USA breeders. This allows us to provide many dog breeds while maintaining our commitment to ethical breeding practices.
We carefully vet all our breeders to ensure that only the best are selected. Not only are our puppies well-socialized and child-friendly, but you can rest assured that our furbabies come from a responsible breeder, and no puppy mills are involved.
What is the safest breed of dog?
If you have children, here are some wonderful child-friendly breeds. Keep in mind that children and dogs need to be supervised and that you should always teach your children to be kind and gentle around pets. Here are some of the best small and large dog breeds for kids:
- Pug
- Doodles
- Labrador
- Golden Retriever
- Beagle
- Border Collie
- Cocker Spaniel
- Goldendoodle
- Cavapoo
Best Dog Breeds for Kids and Families
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JPI3qjmtHHg
Video Credit: Rover
Final Thoughts
The best dogs for kids are breeds that enjoy the company of kids. Although there is no list of 100% kid-friendly dog breeds or the best small dogs for toddlers, it is true that certain breeds, such as the ones mentioned above, are sometimes better suited for children.
Keep in mind, though, that mixed breeds can also be a good option and that you should visit dog rescues if you’re not sure whether you want to adopt or purchase a puppy. Often, shelters will have puppies up for adoption.
It can be difficult to know what temperament traits went into the mix and whether any unfavorable traits will predominate. Before choosing a breed, consult a pet counselor to get the best advice on purebreds or hybrid designer pups to determine a good match for your family.
